Chateau De BonnevalChateau De Bonneval
©Chateau De Bonneval|Julien Audigier
My Favorite Monumentthe top 10 in Haute-Vienne

Emblematic monuments of Limousin

Castles 🏰, unusual places, churches ⛪…. These character stones flourish in the architectural landscape of our Limousin.

Discover our must-see sites in Haute-Vienne. Take the time to visit them, admire them, listen to them….History buffs will be delighted to discover these 🏛️ monuments historiques Hauts-Viennois.

A quick of a view

1. The martyred village

Oradour sur Glane

A place of remembrance 🙏 not to be missed in Haute-Vienne: don’t forget that Saturday, June 10, 1944, when the lives of the inhabitants of Oradour sur Glane were turned upside down by terror… The SS Das Reich division was about to annihilate and freeze this peaceful village in Limousin.

2. Benedictine station

Limoges

The 🚉 Limoges train station is the most BEAUTIFUL 🫶 train station 🫶 in France!

It is the pride of the people of Limoges: it is known throughout France and the world for the beauty of its dome that dominates the city.

Who hasn’t dreamed of looking like Coco Chanel for just a moment? With its luminous art deco style, it is the setting idéal📽️ for film sets and commercials.

3. Châlucet castle

Saint- Jean- Ligoure

On a rocky spur at the gateway to Limoges, come and discover this immense, multi-faceted fortress 🏰 dating from the 12th century.

On the natural side ☘️, the remains of Châlucet dominate the confluence of the Briance and Ligoure rivers.

While you’re having fun, visit the site with the 📱 HAUTE-VIENNE EXPLOR GAMES app.

4. Bonneval castle

Coussac Bonneval

It is our 🏰 JOYAU du Limousin .

This magnificent family home has belonged to the de Bonneval family since 1055. Restored in the 14th and 18th centuries, more than 10 rooms are open to the public: inner courtyard, salons, dining room, chapel, bedroom of the illustrious Henri IV and the famous Pache de Bonneval…parade throughout the guided tour.

“The BEST”: enjoy a VIP tour in the company of Monsieur le Marquis and Madame la Marquise de Bonneval by appointment, with champagne 🥂 !

5. The Collegiate Church of Saint Léonard de Noblat

UNESCO World Heritage

On the route to Santiago de Compostela, this remarkable ⛪roman collegiate church has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

Built in the 11th century and remodeled until the 19th, this marvel can be recognized by its bell tower-porch, its Limousin portal and its immense choir illuminated by 7 luminous chapels. Not forgetting the tomb, lock and reliquary shrine of Saint Leonard.

6. Casseaux oven

Limoges

This 19th-century industrial building is a listed historic monument, with a splendidly preserved huge kiln.

A tribute to working life and to the Limoges porcelain that made the white gold Limousin famous.

Come and discover the history and origins of 🫖 Limoges porcelain.

7. Richard the Lionheart's castle

Châlus - Chabrol

The must-see site of 🏰 Châlus-Chabrol is world-famous as the symbol of the famous King of England, Richard Coeur ❤️ de Lion, who was mortally wounded here in 1199.

The crossbow bolt 🏹 he received caused him to suffer for several days before he breathed his last at the foot of the guard room’s imposing chimney.

The château still embodies the resistance of the Viscounts of Limoges against the Plantagenets, and has been the property of illustrious families such as the Sullys, Albrets, Borgias and Bourbons.

King Richard’s remains rest in the château chapel.

8. Saint-Etienne Cathedral

Limoges

Limoges Cathedral, ⛪ Monument Historique, built in granite by Saint-Martial in the 13th century and dedicated to Saint-Etienne in the 5th century, is one of the most beautiful ogival cathedrals in southern France.

It boasts one of France’s largest baptisteries, located at the foot of the cathedral. Not to mention the flamboyant Gothic portal of Saint-Jean.

The cathedral is also famous for the confirmation of Richard ❤️ Lionheart as Duke of Aquitaine in 1169.

9. La Tour du Plô

Saint-Yrieix La Perche

Built in the early 13th century by the Viscounts of Limoges, La tour du Plô towers over the town of Saint-Yrieix at a height of over 30 m, close to the Collegiate Church, and is the oldest civil monument in the city.

Recently restored, it is accessible on 3 large levels and a magnificent terrace at the top with a superb view over 🏞️ the Limousine countryside. 👉Visits in summer.

10. Rochechouart castle

Museum of Contemporary Art

The town of Rochechouart is known for its famous meteorite that fell over 214 million years ago. We’re talking about character stones in Limousin, and the famous 🏰 Château de Rochechouart is one of them. It is impressive for the beauty of its construction and its imposing towers overlooking 🏞️ la Graine.

The Musée d’Art Contemporain du Département de la Haute-Vienne has occupied the premises since 1985, a surprising mix of periods, where the 3 fundamental themes harmonize: history, landscape and the imaginary. It contains the Raoul Hausmann collection, with over 600 📚 works.

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